Bamboo laminate transaction card

ABSTRACT

Transaction and identification cards formed from raw bamboo assemblies including one or more raw bamboo layers optionally adhered to a paper backer. In one embodiment, a single raw bamboo assembly is adhered to a base or core substrate. Optionally, a second bamboo assembly is coupled to the first bamboo assembly, with or without a core layer sandwiched in between the bamboo assemblies, such that the card&#39;s top face includes a first bamboo layer and the card&#39;s bottom face includes a second bamboo layer. One or more image or graphic layers are then either printed directly onto the raw bamboo layer or laminated thereto. Optional protective substrates, films, or coatings are applied to or over the bamboo assembly to protect by sandwiching the one or more ink or printed layers between the protective layer and the raw bamboo layers.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/982,170 filed Apr. 21, 2014, which is incorporatedherein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments relate generally to transaction cards, and more particularlyto a transaction or financial card formed from bamboo materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bamboo has become an increasingly popular industrial material. Bamboo isa material from the grass family. Its root system, which grows far belowthe surface and produces new shoots each season, allows for the plant tore-grow itself each season. Bamboo can be used for building materials,etc., and may be harvested every five to six years. A new bamboo shootcan reach its full mature size in a single season, making it a highlysustainable and therefore desirable material. Bamboo is also recyclablewhich also adds to its desirability as an industrial material.

Because bamboo is a sturdy and durable grass, bamboo can be used for anumber of products including laminate flooring as a substitute forconventional hardwood materials and other materials that are morelimited in their availability, sustainability, and/or recyclability.

Conventional materials used for cards, such as transaction cards,including, but not limited to credit cards, debit cards, stored-valuecards, gift cards, loyalty or reward cards, smart cards, phone cards andthe like, and identification cards, such as drivers licenses, passports,business cards, access badges, and the like, are often made from durableplastics such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) or styrene. While one cancreate aesthetically unique cards using these traditional materials,these materials are often not recyclable and/or not made fromsustainable resources, putting unnecessary stresses on the environment,such as landfill use (when the cards are discarded after use, e.g.sometimes only single use), and use of limited and/or harmful naturalresources, such as petroleum oil used to make plastics.

There remains a need for an aesthetically unique card, manufactured froma durable yet sustainable material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Cards according to embodiments of the invention generally include one ormore raw bamboo assemblies that comprise a raw bamboo sheet comprisingone or more adjacent bamboo layers and an optional paper backer adheredthereto. In one embodiment, a single raw bamboo sheet (single ormulti-ply) is adhered to a base or core substrate. In anotherembodiment, a second bamboo sheet (single or multi-ply) is coupled tothe first bamboo sheet, with or without a core layer sandwiched inbetween the bamboo assemblies, such that the card's top face comprises afirst bamboo layer and the card's bottom face comprises a second bamboolayer. In yet another embodiment, a single raw bamboo assembly makes upthe entire substrate of the card (exclusive of any ink, varnish, and/orlaminate layers applied thereto), so that the face of the card and theback of the card comprise the first side of the single raw bambooassembly and the second side of the single raw bamboo assembly. In anyof the embodiments, one or more image or graphic layers are then eitherprinted, embossed, burned, or otherwise applied directly or indirectlyonto the raw bamboo layer or laminated thereto.

Optional protective substrates, films, or coatings are applied to orover the bamboo assembly, before and/or after printing, by sandwichingthe one or more ink or printed layers between the protective layer andthe raw bamboo layer (with or without one or more protective layers). Ina first example, one or more ink or printed layers is applied directlyto the raw bamboo layer, and one or more protective layers are appliedover the one or more printed layers. In another example, one or moreprotective or primer layers are applied directly to the raw bamboolayer, one or more ink or printed layers is applied directly to theprotective or primer layer(s), and one or more protective layers areapplied over the one or more printed layers.

In one embodiment, the raw bamboo sheet (first and/or optional secondsheet) comprises a bamboo plywood or multi-ply laminate having multipleadjacent bamboo layers, each layer having a patterned appearance, suchas a grass grain. A patterned appearance of a first layer issubstantially parallel to a patterned appearance of a second adjacentlayer of the card. In an alternative embodiment, the patternedappearance of a first bamboo layer is substantially unparallel to thepatterned appearance of an adjacent bamboo layer of the card, and moreparticularly, the patterned appearance of the first layer issubstantially perpendicular to a patterned appearance of the adjacentsecond bamboo layer. This configuration can be repeated for as manybamboo layers as desired. For example, if there are three or morelayers, each adjacent layer would have a patterned appearancesubstantially perpendicular to a layer above it. This bi- ormulti-oriented or directional construction can increase overalldurability or rigidity of the card, while minimizing curling that couldotherwise occur as the moisture in the materials fluctuates.

The above summary is not intended to describe each illustratedembodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The figuresand the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplifythese embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a bamboo laminate card according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a bamboo laminate card according toan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a bamboo laminate card according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A is a top view of a multi-ply bamboo sheet according to analternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the bamboo sheet according to FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a side view of the bamboo sheet according to FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4D is a side perspective view of the bamboo sheet according to FIG.4A.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a bamboo laminate card according toanother embodiment of the invention.

While embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternativeforms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in thedrawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the Figures generally, a bamboo laminate card according toembodiments of the present invention provide sufficient durability tofunction as a transaction card or stored value card (e.g. CR80 card)while providing unique aesthetics. The cards can be used for any of avariety of purposes such as, for example, transaction cards (i.e. creditor debit cards, phone cards, calling cards, or gift cards, smart cards),loyalty cards (i.e. rewards cards, membership cards, key fobs, etc.)identification cards (i.e. drivers' licenses, other government/licensingcards, access cards, business cards, etc.), healthcare cards,membership/association cards, insurance cards, fleet management cards,gaming cards, trading cards and the like can have various pieces of datacontained thereon. The data may be contained on or within machinereadable indicia, in the form of human readable indicia, or combinationsthereof. Examples of machine readable indicia include magnetic stripes,barcodes (including both 1D and 2D (e.g. QR code)), or RFID, forexample. These machine readable indicia can be used for accountactivation, various verification purposes, and/or automated accountlook-up. Examples of human readable indicia include alphanumeric codes,symbols, or graphics. The machine readable indicia and/or human readableindicia may be correlated with an account, such as, but not limited to aprepaid account, a revolving account against which transactions areconducted, or a bank account such as a checking or savings account.Alternatively, or additionally, the machine readable indicia and/orhuman readable indicia may be used to identify something or someone orto gain access to a physical location, such as a building or room withina building.

The cards according to embodiments of the invention generally includeone or more raw bamboo sheets or assemblies that comprise a single plyor multi-ply raw bamboo layer optionally adhered to a paper backer. Inone embodiment, a single raw bamboo sheet or assembly is adhered to abase or core substrate. In another embodiment, a second bamboo sheet orassembly is coupled to the first bamboo sheet or assembly, with orwithout one or more core or substrate layers sandwiched in between thebamboo sheets or assemblies, such that the card's top face comprises afirst bamboo layer and the card's bottom face comprises a second bamboolayer. In any of the embodiments, one or more image or graphic layersare then either printed directly onto the raw bamboo layer or laminatedthereto. Optional protective substrates, films, or coatings are appliedto or over the bamboo assembly to protect by sandwiching the one or moreink or printed layers between the protective layer and the raw bamboolayer.

In a particular embodiment in which the card comprises a CR80 card, thecard is manufactured such that it meets meet current ISO 7810Specifications, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety,including a card thickness of about 30 mil plus or minus 10%, andcertain corner radius requirements and edge smoothness requirements.

Referring to FIG. 1, a raw bamboo assembly 100 used in constructing thecard assemblies of various embodiments comprises a raw bamboo sheet 102optionally adhered to a paper backer (not shown). Raw bamboo sheet 102generally comprises a plurality of laterally adjacent strips or planks104, each having a slightly different pattern or grass grain separatedby plank lines 103, adhered together to form the sheet of bamboo havingan overall patterned appearance. For example, the pattern or grass grainof each lateral strip 104 can be substantially parallel to an adjacentstrip, or in an alternative embodiment, can be substantially unparallel(e.g. angled or perpendicular). The overall patterned appearance can bedefined as the direction of the grass grain of a majority of or all ofthe strips or planks of a layer.

Bamboo sheet 102 can comprise a single layer, such as a layer having athickness of about 30 mils, or can comprise two or more thin bambooveneer layers bonded or adhered together, and optionally to a core sheetof bamboo or other material, similar in construction to plywood. In oneembodiment in which bamboo sheet 102 comprises multiple layers, anoverall patterned appearance of a first bamboo layer is substantiallyparallel to an overall patterned appearance of a second adjacent bamboolayer of the card.

In an alternative embodiment, and referring to FIGS. 4A-4D, the overallpatterned appearance of a first bamboo layer 105 a of sheet 102 issubstantially unparallel to the overall patterned appearance of anadjacent bamboo layer 105 b of the card. More particularly, thepatterned appearance of first layer 105 a is substantially perpendicularto a patterned appearance of the adjacent second bamboo layer. Thisconfiguration can be repeated for as many bamboo layers as desired. Forexample, if there are three or more layers, each adjacent layer wouldhave a patterned appearance substantially perpendicular to a layer aboveit. This bi- or multi-oriented or directional construction can increaseoverall durability or rigidity of the card, while minimizing curlingthat could otherwise occur as the moisture in the materials fluctuates.

The sheet of bamboo can be made similar to how bamboo plywood or bamboolaminate flooring is made. For example, as described athttp://learn.builddirect.com/flooring/bamboo-flooring/how-bamboo-flooring-made/,incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, the green outer hullof the bamboo is removed and the stalk is cut into long strips calledfillets that retain the natural curve of the plant. The strips are thenmilled or planed along the outer sides to create flat strips. The stripsare then dried and boiled to remove moisture as well as natural sugarsand starches so that the bamboo is less desirable to insects such astermites, and makes the bamboo less likely to suffer expansion andcontraction in humid climates. The strips are then optional colored ordarkened to a desired appearance through a process of carbonization.Carbonization relies on steam and pressure to darken the bamboo.

The strips are then glued and pressed together in a lateralconfiguration to form the overall patterned appearance, and optionallyfurther milled or planed. One example of an overall patternedappearances of bamboo can include a strand-woven bamboo appearance inwhich during the milling stage of the bamboo processing, the strandsthat remain are trimmed from the long bamboo fillets. Intricate patternsare created by weaving the thin strands together and compressing themwith a resin. Another example of an overall patterned appearance ofbamboo is a vertical bamboo appearance in which the narrow edges ofseveral strips of bamboo are glued together. These strips are combinedand have a thin layer of lamination between them. Yet another example ofan overall patterned appearance of bamboo is a horizontal bambooappearance in which the wider surfaces are glued together, facing up.

As discussed above, as an alternative to a single layer or ply ofbamboo, multiple sheets can be glued and/or pressed together, to form amulti-ply bamboo sheet 102. Single ply or multi-ply bamboo sheet 102 isthen optionally adhered to a paper backer. For example, a 20 mil rawbamboo sheet (single or multi-ply) is adhered to a 15-20 mil kraftpaper. Alternatively, a 10-15 mil raw bamboo sheet (single or multi-ply)is adhered to an 80 pound environmental paper. Alternatively, anapproximately 15-17 mil raw bamboo sheet (single or multi-ply) isadhered to a 120 pound environmental paper. In yet another embodiment, a10-40 mil, and more particularly 25-35 mil, raw bamboo sheet (single ormulti-ply), is not adhered to a substrate (exclusive of ink, varnish,and/or protective coating layer(s)). Suppliers of bamboo sheets include,for example, SRWood of Clarksville, Ind. In the case of multiple plies,there may be multiple layers of adhesive and/or paper backer betweenlayers as desired.

Referring to FIG. 5, and according to an embodiment of the invention,card 500 includes a single ply or multi-ply bamboo sheet 102. Bamboosheet 102 can be formatted as a single card or as a large or full sheetformat (for example, 28″×40″ sheets) for containing a plurality ofarticles, such as a plurality of stored data cards, key fobs, orcombinations thereof. One or more optional print layer(s) 508 a, 508 bcan be formed on a first and/or second major surface of bamboo sheet102, respectively. Print layer(s) 508 can comprise any of a variety orcombination of text, graphics, colors, human readable indicia, machinereadable indicia, images, customer information, foils, special imagingindicia such as interlaced images and the like, or any of a variety ofindicia and/or embellishments. Print layer(s) 508 can be applied tosheet 102 by using contact or contact-less methods including, but notlimited to, flexography, lithography, laser, thermal, inkjet,drop-on-demand, xerography, screen printing (e.g. silkscreen), gravure,rotogravure, foil stamp, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment,print layer(s) 508 can be formed using high resolution printingtechniques, and more particular computer-controlled digital-printingtechniques such as, for example, laser imaging, ink jet includingdrop-on-demand (DOD) and continuous inkjet, thermal imaging, and/orxerographic imaging. A corresponding suitable ink, toner, or otherprinting medium is used depending the type(s) of printing methodsincluding UV or radiation curable inks or toners, e-beam curablemediums, heat or IR curable, or combinations thereof. One or both majorsurfaces of sheet 102 can optionally be subjected to one or moreprinting pretreatments, including, but not limited to, corona treatment,flame treatment, application of a primer, or other treatments such thatthe surface of the bamboo sheet is modified to better bond with theprinting medium.

Optional protective or laminate layer(s) 510 a, 510 b can be formed orapplied over print layer(s) 508 to protect print layer(s) and/or bamboosheet 102, respectively. Protective layer(s) 510 can comprise any of avariety laminates applied, such as by compression lamination, to one orboth sides of card 500, or can comprise one or more coatings over one orboth sides of card 500. In an embodiment in which protective layer 510comprises a laminate, the laminate can be a bleed laminate having anadhesive, or an over-laminate without an adhesive. In a particularembodiment, the laminate comprises a soft touch nylon laminate film(matte or gloss).

Optionally, a magnetic stripe is applied via a magnetic stripeapplicator to bamboo sheet 102 before being laminated to other layers,such as protective layer 510, and/or after assembly. Furthermore, themagnetic stripe can be applied to individual cards, or along a fullsheet before cutting into individual cards.

Referring to FIG. 2, and according to an embodiment of the invention, acard 200 generally comprises a first raw bamboo assembly 202 including asingle ply or multi-ply bamboo sheet 102 a optionally adhered to a paperbacker layer 106 a via an adhesive layer 108 a. A second bamboo assembly204, including a single ply or multi-ply bamboo sheet 102 b optionallyadhered to a paper backer layer 106 b via an adhesive layer 108 b, isadhered to first bamboo assembly 202 via an adhesive layer 206, suchthat first and second bamboo sheets 102 a and 102 b form the exteriorfacing surfaces of card 200.

Bamboo sheets 102 a, 102 b can be formatted as a single card or as alarge or full sheet format (for example, 28″×40″ sheets) for containinga plurality of articles, such as a plurality of stored data cards, keyfobs, or combinations thereof.

Adhesive layers 108 a, 108 b, and 206 can comprise any of a variety ofsuitable adhesives including, but not limited to, a multi-part urethaneadhesives, epoxies, acrylate adhesives, radiation activated or curableadhesives including UV, IR and/or ebeam adhesives, pressure activatedadhesives, or any of a combination thereof. Adhesive layers 108 a, 108b, and 206 can be formed from the same adhesive or can be differentadhesives.

In an embodiment, the patterned appearance direction of bamboo sheet 102a is substantially parallel to the patterned appearance direction ofbamboo sheet 102 b. In an alternative embodiment, a patterned appearancedirection of bamboo sheet 102 a is substantially perpendicular to apatterned appearance direction of bamboo sheet 102 b, creating abi-oriented construction. This bi-oriented construction provides addeddurability to card 200. Additional layers of bamboo (not shown) can beadded to card 200 at any of a variety of directions to further increasedurability and/or thickness as desired.

One or more optional print layer(s) 208 a, 208 b can be formed on firstand/or second bamboo sheets 102 a, 102 b, respectively. Print layer(s)208 can comprise any of a variety or combination of text, graphics,colors, human readable indicia, machine readable indicia, images,customer information, foils, special imaging indicia such as interlacedimages and the like, or any of a variety of indicia and/orembellishments. Print layer(s) 208 can be applied to sheet 102(a),102(b) by using contact or contact-less methods including, but notlimited to, flexography, lithography, laser, thermal, inkjet,drop-on-demand, xerography, screen printing (e.g. silkscreen), gravure,rotogravure, foil stamp, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment,print layer(s) 208 can be formed using high resolution printingtechniques, and more particular computer-controlled digital-printingtechniques such as, for example, laser imaging, ink jet includingdrop-on-demand (DOD) and continuous inkjet, thermal imaging, and/orxerographic imaging. A corresponding suitable ink, toner, or otherprinting medium is used depending the type(s) of printing methodsincluding UV or radiation curable inks or toners, e-beam curablemediums, heat or IR curable, or combinations thereof. Sheets 102(a),102(b) can optionally be subjected to one or more printingpretreatments, including, but not limited to, corona treatment, flametreatment, application of a primer, or other treatments such that thesurface of the bamboo sheet is modified to better bond with the printingmedium.

Optional protective or laminate layer(s) 210 a, 210 b can be formed orapplied over print layer(s) 208 to protect print layer(s) and/or bamboosheet 102(a), 102(b), respectively. Protective layer(s) 210 can compriseany of a variety laminates applied, such as by compression lamination,to one or both sides of card 200, or can comprise one or more coatingsover one or both sides of card 200. In an embodiment in which protectivelayer 210 comprises a laminate, the laminate can be a bleed laminatehaving an adhesive, or an over-laminate without an adhesive. In aparticular embodiment, the laminate comprises a soft touch nylonlaminate film (matte or gloss).

Card 200 can have a total thickness of about 20-50 mils, and moreparticularly about 40 mil to 45 mil, and even more particularly about42-44 mil. In another embodiment, card 200 has a thickness of about 30mil plus or minus about 10%.

Optionally, a magnetic stripe is applied via a magnetic stripeapplicator to bamboo sheet 102 a and/or 102 b before being laminated toother layers, e.g. the other bamboo sheet assembly, or after assembly.Furthermore, the magnetic stripe can be applied to individual cards, oralong a full sheet before cutting into individual cards.

Referring to FIG. 3, and according to another embodiment of theinvention, a card 300 generally comprises a first raw bamboo assembly302 (including a bamboo sheet 102 a optionally adhered to a paper backerlayer 106 a via an adhesive layer 108 a) adhered to a core layer 310 viaadhesive layer 312. Core layer 310 can comprise any of a variety ofmaterials including, but not limited to, paper, paperboard, cardboard,metal, foil, foam, wood, bamboo, glass, wovens, nonwovens, or any of acombination thereof, and/or virgin and/or recycled plastics or polymersincluding polyvinyl chloride (PVC), styrene, polyethylene terephthalate(PETG), polylactic acid (PLA), polypropylene, polystyrene (HIPS)polyethylene, or any combination thereof. Core layer 310 can comprisesingle card or a large or full sheet format (for example, 28″×40″sheets) for containing a plurality of articles, such as a plurality ofstored data cards, key fobs, or combinations thereof. Core layer 310 cancomprise a single layer or “single core,” or multiple layers adheredtogether or “split core.”

In one embodiment, card 300 includes only a single raw bamboo assembly302 such that only a first surface of card 300 has a patternedappearance. According to an alternative embodiment, an optional secondbamboo assembly 304 (including a bamboo sheet 102 b optionally adheredto a paper backer layer 106 b via an adhesive layer 108 b) is adhered toan opposite side of core layer 310 from first bamboo assembly 302 via asecond adhesive layer 314, such that first and second bamboo sheets 102a and 102 b form the exterior facing surfaces of card 300, and corelayer 310 is sandwiched therebetween. In this embodiment, the patternedappearance direction of bamboo sheet 102 a can be substantially parallelto the patterned appearance direction of bamboo sheet 102 b, or can besubstantially unparallel or perpendicular to the patterned appearancedirection of bamboo sheet 102 a for added durability as described above.

Adhesive layers 108 a, 108 b, 312, and 314 can comprise any of a varietyof suitable adhesives including, but not limited to, a multi-parturethane adhesives, epoxies, acrylate adhesives, radiation activated orcurable adhesives including UV, IR and/or ebeam adhesives, pressureactivated adhesives, or any of a combination thereof. Adhesive layers108 a, 108 b, 312, and 314 can be formed from the same adhesive or canbe different adhesives.

As described with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 2, one or moreoptional print layer(s) 316 can be formed on first bamboo sheets 102 a,and/or core layer 310 or second bamboo sheet 102 b (if present). Printlayer(s) 316 can comprise any of a variety or combination of text,graphics, colors, human readable indicia, machine readable indicia,images, customer information, foils, special imaging indicia such asinterlaced images and the like, or any of a variety of indicia and/orembellishments. Print layer(s) 316 can be applied by using contact orcontact-less methods including, but not limited to, flexography,lithography, laser, thermal, inkjet, drop-on-demand, xerography, screenprinting (e.g. silkscreen), gravure, rotogravure, foil stamp, orcombinations thereof. In one embodiment, print layer(s) 316 can beformed using high resolution printing techniques, and more particularcomputer-controlled digital-printing techniques such as, for example,laser imaging, ink jet including drop-on-demand (DOD) and continuousinkjet, thermal imaging, and/or xerographic imaging. A correspondingsuitable ink, toner, or other printing medium is used depending thetype(s) of printing methods including UV or radiation curable inks ortoners, e-beam curable mediums, heat or IR curable, or combinationsthereof. Sheet 102(a) and/or core 310, or alternatively sheet 102(b) (ifpresent) can optionally be subjected to one or more printingpretreatments, including, but not limited to, corona treatment, flametreatment, application of a primer, or other treatments such that thesurface of the bamboo sheet is modified to better bond with the printingmedium.

Optional protective or laminate layer(s) 318 a, 318 b can be formed orapplied over print layer(s) 316 to protect print layer(s) and/or bamboosheet 102(a) and core 310 (or alternatively sheet 102(b) if present).Protective layer(s) 318 can comprise any of a variety laminates applied,such as by compression lamination, to one or both sides of card 300, orcan comprise one or more coatings over one or both sides of card 300. Inan embodiment in which protective layer 318 comprises a laminate, thelaminate can be a bleed laminate having an adhesive, or an over-laminatewithout an adhesive. In a particular embodiment, the laminate comprisesa soft touch nylon laminate film (matte or gloss).

Optionally, one or more magnetic stripes is applied via a magneticstripe applicator to bamboo sheet 102 a and/or 102 b before beinglaminated to other layers, e.g. the core layer, and/or other bamboosheet assembly, or after assembly of card 300 or sheet of cards.Furthermore, the magnetic stripe can be applied to individual cards, oralong a full sheet before cutting into individual cards.

The cards according to embodiments of the invention can be manufacturedby providing a first bamboo assembly (pre-manufactured with the paperbacker or manufactured inline with the card). An adhesive layer isapplied to the paper backer surface of the first bamboo assembly bylamination, printing, coating, or any of a variety of applicationmethods. The first bamboo assembly is then coupled to either a corelayer or directly to a second bamboo assembly, such as by compressionlamination or nip rolling the layers together. In one embodiment, thefirst bamboo assembly is coupled directly to the second bamboo assembly.In an alternative embodiment, the first bamboo assembly is coupled tothe core layer. A second adhesive is then applied to the paper backer ofa second bamboo assembly and/or the core layer as described above, andthe second bamboo assembly is coupled to the core layer on a sideopposite the first bamboo assembly. The various adhesive layers areactivated and/or cured, depending on the curing mechanism, at each stepand/or after coupling of all layers to form a laminated assembly. Theoptional print layer(s) are then applied to one or both sides of thelaminated assembly after an optional print pretreatment step. The printlayer(s) are then cured or dried as appropriate. The optional protectivelayer(s) and/or further printing or magnetic stripe(s) are then appliedto outer surfaces of the laminated assembly.

The cards can be manufactured as single, discrete cards in sheet format,or can be manufactured in large sheet format or in web form, such thatafter lamination of all layers and/or printing of the sheet or web, aplurality of cards are cut or converted from the sheet or web.

Various embodiments of systems, devices and methods have been describedherein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are notintended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be appreciated,moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have beendescribed may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additionalembodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes,configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use withdisclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilizedwithout exceeding the scope of the invention.

Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that theinvention may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individualembodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are notmeant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the variousfeatures of the invention may be formed or combined. Accordingly, theembodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather,the invention may comprise a combination of different individualfeatures selected from different individual embodiments, as understoodby persons of ordinary skill in the art.

Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such thatno subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicitdisclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above isfurther limited such that no claims included in the documents areincorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference ofdocuments above is yet further limited such that any definitionsprovided in the documents are not incorporated by reference hereinunless expressly included herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bamboo laminate card comprising: a first sheetcomprising a first layer of a plurality of strips, each strip comprisingbamboo material having an elongated grass grain, the plurality of stripsbeing laterally adjacently arranged to each other, wherein the elongatedgrass grains of the plurality of strips of the first layer defines anoverall pattern formed on an outwardly facing surface of the firstsheet; and at least one print layer formed on the outwardly facingsurface of the first sheet, wherein the print layer comprises text,graphics, colors, readable indicia, or combinations thereof.
 2. Thebamboo laminate card of claim 1, further comprising: at least onesubstrate coupled to the first layer.
 3. The bamboo laminate card ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one substrate comprises a core layer withor without an adhesive layer, a paper backer layer with or without anadhesive layer, or combinations thereof.
 4. The bamboo laminate card ofclaim 1, wherein a direction of an elongated grass grain of a strip ofthe plurality of strips is substantially parallel to a direction of anelongated grass grain of an adjacent strip of the plurality of strips.5. The bamboo laminate card of claim 1, wherein a direction of anelongated grass grain of a strip of the plurality of strips issubstantially perpendicular to a direction of an elongated grass grainof an adjacent strip of the plurality of strips.
 6. The bamboo laminatecard of claim 1, further comprising a second sheet coupled the firstsheet, the second sheet comprising: a first layer of a plurality ofstrips, each strip comprising bamboo material having an elongated grassgrain, the strips being laterally adjacently arranged to each other,wherein the elongated grass grains of the plurality of strips of thefirst layer of the second sheet defines an overall pattern formed on anoutwardly facing surface of the second sheet.
 7. The bamboo laminatecard of claim 6, further comprising: at least one substrate interposedbetween the first sheet and the second sheet, wherein the at least onesubstrate comprises a core layer with or without an adhesive layer, apaper backer layer with or without an adhesive layer, or combinationsthereof.
 8. The bamboo laminate card of claim 6, wherein the secondsheet is arranged with respect to the first sheet such that a majorityof the elongated grass grains of the overall pattern of the second sheetare substantially parallel to a majority of the elongated grass grainsof overall pattern of the first sheet.
 9. The bamboo laminate card ofclaim 6, wherein the second sheet is arranged with respect to the firstsheet such that a majority of the elongated grass grains of the overallpattern of the second sheet are substantially perpendicular to amajority of the elongated grass grains of overall pattern of the firstsheet.
 10. The bamboo laminate card of claim 1, further comprising aprotective layer, wherein the protective layer is formed over the firstsheet, the at least one print layer, or both.
 11. The bamboo laminatecard of claim 1, further comprising a magnetic strip arranged on aportion of the outwardly facing surface of the first sheet.
 12. Thebamboo laminate card of claim 1, wherein the first sheet comprises amulti-ply sheet, the multi-ply sheet comprising: the first layer of thefirst sheet; and a second layer coupled to the first layer on a sideopposite that of the outwardly facing surface, the second layercomprising a plurality of strips, each strip comprising bamboo materialhaving an elongated grass grain, the plurality of strips being laterallyadjacently arranged to each other.
 13. The bamboo laminate card of claim12, further comprising: at least one substrate interposed between thefirst layer and the second layer, coupled to the second layer on a sideopposite the first layer, or both.
 14. The bamboo laminate card of claim13, wherein the at least one substrate comprises a core layer with orwithout an adhesive layer, a paper backer layer with or without anadhesive layer, or combinations thereof.
 15. The bamboo laminate card ofclaim 12, wherein the second layer is arranged with respect to the firstlayer such that a majority of the elongated grass grains of the secondlayer are substantially parallel to a majority of the elongated grassgrains of the first layer.
 16. The bamboo laminate card of claim 12,wherein the second layer is arranged with respect to the first layersuch that a majority of the elongated grass grains of the second layerare substantially perpendicular to a majority of the elongated grassgrains of the first layer, thereby forming a bi-oriented first sheet.17. The bamboo laminate card of claim 6, wherein at least one of thefirst sheet and the second sheet comprises a multi-ply sheet, themulti-ply sheet comprising— the first layer of the first sheet or thesecond sheet; and a second layer coupled to the first layer on a sideopposite that of the outwardly facing surface, the second layercomprising a plurality of strips, each strip comprising bamboo materialhaving an elongated grass grain, the plurality of strips being laterallyadjacently arranged to each other.
 18. The bamboo laminate card of claim17, further comprising at least one substrate interposed between thefirst layer and the second layer, coupled to the second layer, or both,wherein the at least one substrate comprises a core layer with orwithout an adhesive layer, a paper backer layer with or without anadhesive layer, or combinations thereof.
 19. The bamboo laminate card ofclaim 17, wherein the second layer is arranged with respect to the firstlayer such that a majority of the elongated grass grains of the secondlayer are substantially parallel to a majority of the elongated grassgrains of the first layer.
 20. The bamboo laminate card of claim 17,wherein the second layer is arranged with respect to the first layersuch that a majority of the elongated grass grains of the second layerare substantially perpendicular to a majority of the elongated grassgrains of the first layer, thereby forming a bi-oriented first sheet.21. The bamboo laminate card of claim 17, wherein both the first sheetand the second sheet comprise a multi-ply sheet.
 22. The bamboo laminatecard of claim 1, wherein the card comprises a stored-value card, giftcard, credit card, debit card, reward card, loyalty card, membershipcard, smart card, telephone card, key fob, and combinations thereof. 23.The bamboo laminate card of claim 1, wherein the card comprises anidentification card selected from the group consisting of a driver'slicense, government card, access badge, passport, credentials, businesscard, healthcare card, insurance cards, fleet management cards, gamingcards, trading cards, and combinations thereof.
 24. A bamboo laminatesheet assembly for forming a plurality of bamboo laminate cardstherefrom, the sheet assembly comprising: a first sheet comprising afirst layer of a plurality of strips, each strip comprising bamboomaterial having an elongated grass grain, the plurality of strips beinglaterally adjacently arranged to each other, wherein the elongated grassgrains of the plurality of strips of the first layer defines an overallpattern formed on an outwardly facing surface of the first sheet,wherein the plurality of cards comprises transaction cards selected fromthe group consisting of stored-value cards, credit cards, debit cards,gift cards, loyalty cards, rewards cards, smart cards, telephone cardsand combinations thereof, or identification cards selected from thegroup consisting drivers' licenses, access badges, passports, andcombinations thereof.
 25. The bamboo laminate sheet assembly of claim24, further comprising: at least one substrate coupled to the firstlayer.
 26. The bamboo laminate sheet assembly of claim 25, wherein theat least one substrate comprises a core layer with or without anadhesive layer, a paper backer layer with or without an adhesive layer,or combinations thereof.
 27. The bamboo laminate sheet assembly of claim24, further comprising: a second sheet coupled the first sheet, thesecond sheet comprising: a first layer of a plurality of strips, eachstrip comprising bamboo material having an elongated grass grain, thestrips being laterally adjacently arranged to each other, wherein theelongated grass grains of the plurality of strips of the first layer ofthe second sheet defines an overall pattern formed on an outwardlyfacing surface of the second sheet.
 28. The bamboo laminate sheetassembly of claim 27, further comprising: at least one substrateinterposed between the first sheet and the second sheet, coupled to thesecond sheet on a side opposite the first sheet, or both, wherein the atleast one substrate comprises a core layer with or without an adhesivelayer, a paper backer layer with or without an adhesive layer, orcombinations thereof.
 29. The bamboo laminate sheet assembly of claim24, wherein the first sheet comprises a multi-ply sheet, the multi-plysheet comprising: the first layer of the first sheet; and a second layercoupled to the first layer on a side opposite that of the outwardlyfacing surface, the second layer comprising a plurality of strips, eachstrip comprising bamboo material having an elongated grass grain, theplurality of strips being laterally adjacently arranged to each other.30. The bamboo laminate sheet assembly of claim 29, further comprising:at least one substrate interposed between the first layer and the secondlayer, coupled to the second layer on a side opposite the first layer,or both, wherein the at least one substrate comprises a core layer withor without an adhesive layer, a paper backer layer with or without anadhesive layer, or combinations thereof.
 31. The bamboo laminate sheetassembly of claim 30, wherein at least one of the first sheet and thesecond sheet comprises a multi-ply sheet, the multi-ply sheetcomprising— the first layer of the first sheet or the second sheet; anda second layer coupled to the first layer on a side opposite that of theoutwardly facing surface, the second layer comprising a plurality ofstrips, each strip comprising bamboo material having an elongated grassgrain, the plurality of strips being laterally adjacently arranged toeach other.
 32. The bamboo laminate sheet assembly of claim 31, furthercomprising at least one substrate interposed between the first layer andthe second layer, coupled to the second layer, or both, wherein the atleast one substrate comprises a core layer with or without an adhesivelayer, a paper backer layer with or without an adhesive layer, orcombinations thereof.